Breaking Unhealthy Habits

Help your teen take control over his or her smoking addiction

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What should you do if you suspect your teen is lighting up? Some tips from smoking cessation expert Steven Y. Sussman, PhD, professor of preventive medicine and psychology at the University of Southern California:

1. Get help that's specifically for teens Consider enrolling her in a high school–based smoking cessation program, like N-O-T (Not on Tobacco) or Project EX.

2. Cut her some slack Expect her to be irritable and have trouble concentrating for a few weeks during withdrawal. Unfortunately, most studies show that nicotine replacement products aren't likely to help younger smokers through this process.

3. Stay positive Instead of saying, "Stop smoking, it's ruining your life," try, "I want you to be healthy and live a long time."

4. If you smoke, quit Studies show that teens are 70% less likely to smoke if their parents don't.